BUFFALO, N.Y. —  The excitement of reuniting with friends is felt throughout Shea’s Performing Arts Center. The theatre is back in full swing following a year-and-a-half intermission due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“To be reopening, there were a lot of tears of joy,” Shea’s President Michael B. Murphy said. “It was great to have people back in the theatre.”

“We’ve never had a season kick off and have this many weeks of theatre in any of our communities around the country,” Shea’s Presenting Partner Albert Nocciolino said.

This is because theatres are merging two seasons into one, so that patrons don’t miss out on any of the shows that were put on pause during the pandemic.

“For us to have nine weeks of theatre from September to December is unbelievable,” Nocciolino said. “We kicked off the season with "Frozen," the new season, then went right into "Tootsie," which also teched and rehearsed here. And then pick up "The Band’s Visit," which was left over from the season before.”

For the actors and patrons alike, this has been non-stop theatre. And for many, it’s a dream.

“To be back, it’s like going back to a dear member of the family that you haven’t seen for a long time and you meet him again,” said Sasson Babay, from "The Band’s Visit."

As shows like Broadway’s multi-award-winning "The Band’s Visit" are now moving onto other cities, more productions are opening in Buffalo. At least one show is putting talent found in the Queen City.

“I’ve been seeing "The Nutcracker" ever since I was little, even when I wasn’t performing in them,” dancer Natalie Hausmann said. “Being able to perform and have my friends and family come, and people all over Buffalo, it’s a really great experience.”

Born in Buffalo, she is one of the dancers in Neglia Ballet’s "The Nutcracker." With 79 roles, many Western New Yorkers are excited to be taking the stage.

"The Nutcracker" will run on November 27 and 28 at Shea’s.